Shaheedi Jor Mela

Fairs and festivals are an integral part of the culture of India. Every state and region has their own set of beliefs which form the basis of their fairs and festivals over the years. The state of Punjab which is famed across the globe for its festive mood and culture also organizes the Shaheedi Jor Mela at Fatehgarh Sahib to honor their past of valor and martyrdom. Usually, the Shaheedi Jor Mela of Punjab is organized in late December and it is organized to commemorate the heavenly ascent of and Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji. The two of the youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs) were martyred by Wazir Khan â€“ the serving general of Sirhind in the initial years of the 18th Century.

History

Both the sons of Guru Gobind Singhji defied all the efforts and offers made by Wazir Khan and decided to hold fast to their principles despite the threat to their lives. Wazir Khan on the other hand was firm on his stand and was adamant on using the powers vested in his hand in a negative way. He took a harsh decision and the two boys were entombed alive by Wazir Khan. As destiny would happen, the wall miraculously went down and the two were found safe and secure. Wazir Khan was surprised by this but some days later, on the unfortunate day of 26th December at Sirhind, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji had to face martyrdom at the hands of the cruel general. History regards them as the youngest martyrs ever as they laid their life voluntarily and knowingly at a tender age of 6 years. Shaheedi Jor Mela is organized to commemorate and pay homage to this event.

Celebrations

The mela is inaugurated with the most pious of Sikh prayers which includes an Akhand Path which is usually organized on the first day of the Mela. Later, political rallies, social meetings and discussions are organized where the influential and the respectable of the society discuss the social status of the city. The celebrations are punctuated by a Nagar Kirtan which involves the participation of the masses as they throng the Kirtan in search of devotion, service and most of all peace.

Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup and Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib are thronged by visitors during this 3 day long extravaganza. All the villages close to these gurudwaras also indulge in a huge community service. Apart from the community kitchen service at these gurudwaras for devotees, all the roads leading to these gurudwaras are filled with Langars that feed and treat every devotee visiting Sirhind

The festival is a huge occasion for the district and the administration leaves no stone unturned to ensure the success of the festival and the safety of its people. Medical ambulances, traffic police and security personnel are placed to ensure complete public safety. Also barricading is done to ensure the controlling of crowd.

Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee also organizes several other events which narrate the glorious past and the valor of the Sikh community.

How to Reach

By Air

The state of Punjab is well equipped with airports at Chandigarh and Amritsar. Visitors coming from nearby states or countries can hire taxi/bus from here to reach Sirhind.

By Train

Punjab has a decent network of railways that connect Sirhind with the rest of the nation. Trains can be taken from any of the cities in Punjab. Shatabdi trains also run between Delhi and Amritsar and provide fast and hassle free commute between the two places.

By Road

Punjab Roadways is the best way to reach Sirhind through road. At nominal fees, the state bus transport provides services of semi deluxe and passenger busses connecting Sirhind with the other towns of the state.